The Board
Our Mission is to provide access to high-quality services and proactively advocate for the rights of those with disabilities and special needs and their families.
Ability Beyond Barriers (formerly Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board) was founded August 28, 1984 as Horry County Mental Retardation. The organization’s name was later amended to Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board on June 12, 1995. In December 2023, the Board adopted a “Doing Business As” name to Ability Beyond Barriers.
Our Vision is for all individuals to live to their fullest potential as active and independent members of their communities, regardless of ability or need.
Our Values are respect and elevate the dignity of all people; ensure the health, safety, and welfare of every person we work with; maximize the availability and accessibility of our services; maintain excellence through integrity at each level of our organization; and promote equality and equity for each person in all elements of their lives.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of 11 volunteer members who are nominated by the Horry County Delegation members and then appointed by the Governor of South Carolina. Each geographical area of the county is represented by a Board member. The Board’s primary contractual partner is the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.
Funding for services is provided through the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Medicaid, and fund-raising efforts.
For Board Meeting dates, time and location; please check the Calendar of Events.
Board Members
- A. Martin Bellamy – Chair
- Larry Mattive – Vice Chair
- Jeff Mense – Treasurer
- Deborah R. Johnson – Secretary
- Edwin Hinds
- Anna Gaskin
- Rev. Lonnie B. Chestnut
- Jennifer Tallevast
- Jesse Lind
- Amy Breault
- Cheri Verdone
